The SUU Business department is putting on a program called the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, or VITA. This program is dedicated to helping people with income less than $53,000 a year, people with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English speaking people fill out their taxes.
“The program also helps people be more confident in professional settings,” said senior accounting major Zack Hansen from Cedar City. “By doing this, participants are learning by experience.”
IRS-certified volunteers provide this service for free, and include basic tax return preparation, as well as electronic filing for individuals who qualify.
Hansen has been through the program before, and also helps participants fill out paperwork when they enter.
“It’s helpful to know that there are people there who can answer any question that you may have about taxes,” Hansen said. “Also, being compliant with tax laws is something that VITA can help with as well.”
People willing to participate in the VITA program must bring a photo ID, original copies of their social security cards for themselves, their spouse, and dependents, and W-2’s or other wage statements. If you do not have a social security number, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number will be assigned to you. If you desire direct deposit, make sure to bring account and routing numbers from your bank.
The VITA program takes place Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays through April 12 from 5:30-8:30 inside the Dixie O. Leavitt Business Building, room 207. More information about the services that VITA provides, as well as other items not specified to bring to the program, can be found here.
Story by
Trenton Flager for SUU News
tflager55@gmail.com
